Electric regulation



Jan. 5, 1943.' J. L: CREVELING 713071,25-

ELETRIC REGLATION original 'Filed lay e, 193s 2 sheets-sheet 1 INVENTORI Jan 5, 1943.

J. L. CREVELING ELECTRIC REGLATION original Filed lay 6. 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 112 '1oz fa af .u

c ELEc'rnIc REGULATION John L. (lrevelling, near Tucson, Ariz. Continuation of application Serial No. 206,463.

May 6, 1938. Serial No. 350,375

This application August 3, 1940,

17 Claims. (Cl. P11-314) My invention pertains to that class of electric regulation wherein a dynamo or generator is to be regulated automatically-in a predetermined manner throughout a wide variety of changeable conditions, and also comprehends means whereby it will be automatically connected with and disconnected from its work under certain predetermined conditions.

As my invention is particularly applicable to an electric system wherein a dynamo driven intermittently and at widely varying speeds is employed to charge a storage battery and operate lamps or other translating devices which are supplied by thebattery when the generator speed and consequent voltage are below the values necessary to supply current to its load, it will be described with respect to such a system.

Obviously, such systems are especially useful for supplying current to the many electrical devices now carried by moving vehicles and wherein a dynamo or generator is driven by connection with an element deriving its motion from that of the vehicle or from the the vehicle.

As vehicles covered generally by the term automobile have at the present time the widest demand for this type of system, my invention will be described with particular reference to such an application thereof.

In so far as common subject-matter is disclosed, this application is a continuation of my application for improvement in Electric regulation, Serial No. 206,463, led May 6, 1938.

An object of my present invention is to provide a combined regulator and automatic switch wherein the same parts may operate both instrumentalities and thereby make for simplicity and cheapness of manufacture.

Another object is to providev a regulator which will automatically control the voltage of the generator in a predetermined manner under widely varying conditions of speed and load.

Another object is to provide a regulator which will automatically control the current of the generator in a predetermined manner under certain widely varying conditions of operation.

Another object of my invention is to provide a regulator which will be capable of automatical- 1y providing substantially independent current and voltage regulation. Y

Another object of my invention is to provide a regulator which may automatically causel desired changes in the voltage -or current regulating characteristics depending upon conditions that vary during the operation of the system.

power plant propelling Another object of my invention is to provide a regulator which will automatically prevent Ithe generator from. being overloaded.

Another object of my invention is toprovide a regulator which will prevent the generator voltage from exceeding a desired limit on open circuit or with load, regardless of excessive speed.

Another object is to provide a regulator which will automatically control the generator to charge a storage Abattery in a desired manner, de-v pending upon the instant requirements of the battery.

Another object of my invention is to cause a regulator of the vibrating contact type to maintain the voltage or-current delivered by a generator steady or without undesirable uctuation or pulsation.

Other objects of my invention will be pointed out in the following speciiication or will b e apparent from the constructions and operations described therein.

In the drawings, like numerals refer to like or corresponding parts, and Fig. I is a diagrammatic representation of one type of structure comprehended by my invention, in which certain parts have been transposed for ease in illustration, as will hereinafter be explained. Fig. II is a diagram showing a modification that may be made in the system indicated in Fig. I. Fig. III is a partial elevation and partial section of one type of preferred structure used in practicing my invention, certain parts4 being omitted for ease in illustration. Fig. IV is a side elevation of the structure of Fig. III, in which certain parts are.

omitted or shown in simplified form for ease in illustration. Fig. V is an elevation of a structure similar to that of Figs. III and IV, showing diierent positions which may be occupied by certain of the major parts. Fig. VI is an elevation of a portion of one of the elements shown in Figs. III. IV and V. Figs. VII, VIII, IX and X are diagrammatic representations of systems illustrated in the manner employed in Fig.. I, and including modiiications comprehended4 by -my invention.

Figs. XI and XII are diagrams employed to illustrate the operation of the system of Figs. IX and X. Fig. XIII is a diagrammatic representation of a system including a modication falling withln'my invention. Fig. XIV is a partial elevation and partial section of a structure somewhat simif lar to that of Fig. III, but having a different mode of operation, which may be used in4 employing my invention. Fig. XV is a diagrammatic representation of a modiiication which may be incorporated in any of the systems illustrated in the preceding diagrams. Figs. XVI and XVII illustrate modifications of windings falling within myl invention. A

Referring particularly to Fig. I, I represents a dynamo or generator which may be intermit-i tently driven at various speeds and which is shown as provided with the usual field coil 2. One end of the coil 2 'is shown as connected by wire 38 with oneI terminal of the resistor 3, having its other terminal connected with the base 1 of conducting material, upon which the combined regulator and switch of my invention is mounted, and which is grounded as indicated. The lower lead 4 from the dynamo, which in all the' diagrams will be considered as the negative, is also connected to ground, as indicated, while the positive lead 5 is carried to one end of the series coil 6, wound upon the upper portion of the core 8, of iron or other suitable magnetic material. 'The core 8 rests upon the member 9, of iron or other suitable magnetic material, which is carried by the base member 1 and insulated therefrom, as indicated. The member 9 is indicated as provided with upturned extensions or pole pieces II! and I I, while the upperend of the core 8 is shown as provided with a magnetic member I2 having at its extremities the downwardly turned extensions or pole pieces I3 and I4, here indicated as directly over the pole pieces I and Il of the -lower member 9. The extension 4I4 is shown as carrying a movable armature I attached thereto as by the flexible strip I6, and normally urged aromas 36. The lower end of armature 34 carries a suitable contact member which, by contact with they contact point indicated at 31,'limits the movement of armature 34 by spring 35. The contact point 31 is shown as electrically connected withvthe wire 38 at a point between the field coil 2 and resistor 3, as by wire 39, and the armature 34 is shown as electrically connected with the point 3I, as by wire 48, while the armature 38 is connected with the base 1, and thus to ground as by wire 6I. The coil 6 is shown as having its lower end connected, through a small coil 4I, with a 'portion of the magnetic structure including the core 8 and parts con nected therewith, and is thus in electrical communication with the switch armature I5. The lower portion of core 8 is shown as surrounded by a relatively ne wire voltage coil 42, having one of its terminals connected with the magnetic frame including the core 8, and thus in electrical communication with the generator through coil 6. The lower end of coil 42 is shown as.

circuit and a resistor 45 in the battery circuit,

either or both of which may be employed, if desired, for a purpose hereinafter to be pointed out. Y

In Fig. III, which shows one ofthe preferred- ,forms of actual apparatus comprehended by my invention, as distinguished fromthe mere diature by the spring I1 is limited by the stop I9,

minals of the battery 24 and the load indicated grammatic portrayal of Fig. I, it will be noted that the magnetic member 46 attached to the..

' tions, has been chosenfor use in the diagrams at .25, which have their negative terminals con- Y occupy the positions indicated in Figs. III, 1V 0r V, as will hereinafter be more fully pointed out.

In Fig. I, the pole piece I3 is shown as provided with a movable armature 30, which is insulated therefrom and normally urged toward the contact point 3l by thespring 32, adjustable as by nut 33. The lower end of armature 38 is provided with a contact member of suitable material for a Vibrating regulating contact with the point indicated at 3I, and is' separated from the pole piece 28 by a suitable air gap. The pole piece 29 is shown as provided with an armature 34, insulated therefrom as indicated, and normally urged to swing in a clockwise direction by the spring 35, adjustable as by nut for the sake of ease in illustration merely, as previously stated. In Fig. III, it will be seen that in order that the pole pieces 28 and 29 may occupy the positions shown, without interfering with the switch, the polar extensions II and I4, carried by members A9 and I2, loccupy positions at right angles to their positions indicatedin Fig. I, while the switch armature is omitted in order to expose parts that would be obscured ,by the armature I5 if in place. The position of the armature I5 is indicated in Fig. IV, ,which shows the general arrangement of the parts composing the structure of Fig. III, as viewed from the. left. In Fig. III, the armature 41, corresponding to the armature 34 of Fig. I, is united as by a exible metal strip 45 with the bridge piece of magnetic material 49 carried by the side walls' 5U of a box-like structure having a thin bottom 5I and end walls 52 and 53, which parts appear more plainly in Fig. VI, The 'armature 41 carries a contact member 54, which is preferably mounted at the end 'of a leaf spring 55 attached to the upper end of the armature by means'of a rivetor screw also anchoring one end of the leaf spring `56. The box-like struc- 4 ture is provided with a cover 51 (not shown in VI) which is preferamy cemented to Vthe ground, as indicated, as by screw 8|.

cal connection therewith; while the screw 68,

passing through a slip hole in the strip 82 and the cover 51 and end wall 53, by being threaded into the member 64, holds the lower end of the box-like structure containing the vibratory contacts, etc., in place and causes electrical connection between plate 62 and the insulated member 64 which is connected with the wire 38, as indicated. At the upper end of the cover 51, the small plate 65 lis electrically connected with the member 49 as .by wire 66, and with the insulated conducting member 68 as by screw 81, which also holds the upper part of the box-like structure definitely in place.

Upon the left side of Fig. III, there is shown a box-like structure like the one just described, save that the side walls 69 and end walls 18 and 1| are formed integrally with the cover 12, while the thin bottom 13 is cemented against the side and end walls, as indicated. Here, the magnetic member 14 is like the member 49 and carries the armature 15, Acontact member 16 and spring 11, which are the .same as members 41, 54 and 56 in the box-like structure on the other side of the structure. The member 14 is connected with plate 18 as by wire 19, and the plate 18 is electrically connected with the member 88 which is connected to the plate 1 and thus to The contact point 82 is connected with the plate 83 as by screw 84, while the plate is connected with the insulated conducting member 68 by screw 85. The effect of spring 11 may be adjusted as by screw 88, and movement of armaturesv 41 and 'I5 toward their pole pieces I8 and I3 is limited by stops 81. The box-like structures containing the vibratory contacts are interchangeable and form complete dust-proof units which may be readily removed and replaced if defective, and

are shown of different construction on opposite sides of Fig. III merely to illustrate'two forms which may be employed.

In Fig. V, the pole pieces I3 and 28 and the box containing the parts vcooperating therewith are shown in the same positions as in Fig. In, while the pole pieces I8 and 29 (shown in dotted lines) and the box containing the parts cooperating therewith are shown as in the positions occupied by the pole pieces and |4 and cooperating switch mechanism indicated in Figs. IU and IV. In Fig. V, the pole pieces and I4 and switch parts cooperatingtherewith are shown as in the positions occupied in Fig. I,

or in the positions occupied by pole pieces |8 and 29 and their cooperating parts in Fig. III.

The structure diagrammatically indicated in Fig. VII isthe same as in Figs. I, III, IV and VI, save that the coil 8 is provided with a shunt 88; the coil.42 is shown as having a resistor 98 in series therewith; a resistor 89 connects the wire 48 with the wire 6I and the lower portion of core 8 is shown as provided with a coil 9| which has one of its terminals in electrical connection with contact point 31 and the other with* the wire 88.

' the pole pieces I8 and 29 are shown as bridged-by a member or strip 93, of magnetic material, whose magnetic reluctance increases with increase in temperature.

Fig. IX indicates an arrangement similar to Flg.VIII, save that coil 95 upon the upper portion of core 8 has been added and connected in series between the ileld coil 2 and the resistance I, as by wires 94 and 98; while wire 98 is also connected with the lead 5 as by resistor 91.

Fig. X indicates an arrangement similar to Fig. IX, save that the left-hand end of resistor 91 is connected with the magnetic frame as at I2 and thus a series coil 6, and that coil 98 upon the lower portion of core.8 has been substituted for the 'coil 95 of Fig. IX, the connections ofthe coils 95 and 98 otherwise being the same; and a resistor 99 has been inserted in circuit with the coil 92, .said resistor being of a type and used for a purpose to be later explained.

Fig. XI is a simplified diagram of the connections and relationship of the field .coil 2, resistor 3, coil 92 and the vibratory-contact devices 38-3I and 84-31 withrespect to coil 95 of Fig. IX or coil 98 of Fig. X, the return wire |88 being shown in place of the ground return in the previous diagrams.

Fig, XII is a still further simplied diagram showing the arrangement oi' Fig.'XI in the conventional form of a Wheatstone bridge and with the vibratory 38-3| omitted as unnecessary vfor the operation to be later explained with reference to this diagram.

Fig. XIII indicates an arrangement having a coil and wiring lay-out similar to that of Fig. VIII, save that coil 92 has the resistor |86 in series therewith, while the resistor |82 has been inserted between wire 6| and armature 38. The magnetic structure of this i'lgure diiers from any of the others shown in that the upper and lower portions ofthe core 8 are connected by an isthmus |83, surrounded by a washer or disc |84 of copper or other conducting material.

Fig. XIV indicates a magnetic structure similar to that of Figs.III and IV; but, the box-like structure containing the vibrating armature shown at 41. in Fig. III, not only has the spring 56 as in Fig.]1I, but a spring |85 attached thereto; while the armature |86, corresponding to 15 in Fig. III, is not provided with a contact device but is adapted, when moved away from its adjustment screw |I2 toward pole piece I3, to move 'thelight rod of insulating material |81 passing through the block |88 into contact with spring |85 and reduce the effect of spring 56 upon the contact mechanism aiected by the pole pieces 29 and I8. In this gure, the box-like structures are shown as heldin place by engaging a pin at the bottom while being engaged by a latch ||8 at the top;

Fig. VIII indicates a structure similar to that 'Il wenand a coil I|3 is shown as in series with coil 6 and wound upon core 8 instead of coil 4| upon member 21 of Fig. I, or upon member 46 of Fig. III

Fig. XV-shows the coil 42 of Fig. VII not only as having a resistor 98 in series therewith but a rev sistor in shunt thereto, for a purpose which will later be explained.

Fig. XVI shows a coil ||4, similar to coil 9| of Fig. VII, and assumed to have the same circuit connections, but which is wound upon the upper portion of core 8 instead oi upon the lower .portion as in Fig. VII.

Fig. XVII shows a coil II5 similar to coil 92 of Fig. VIII, and assumed to have thev same circuit connections, but which is wound upon the upper portion of core 8 instead of the lower portion of Fig. VIII.

An operation of\ my invention isVv substantially y as follows: l

Referring particularly to Fig. I, if the generator be at rest, the switch contact at -2I will be broken and the load maybe supplied by the battery 24 in the usual manner. If the generator now be started, current will owfrom Wire 5 through held winding 2, wire 38, wire 39, contact at 31, armature 34, Wire 40, contact at 3|, armature 30, and wire 6I to the grounded base'1, from which return will be made to the generator through ground and .lead 4. Some current will also ow from wire 38 through resistor 3 to base- 1, and thence to the negative side of the generator by way of ground and return lead 4. As the contact devices -3I and 34-31 have a very low resistance under these conditions, the resistance 3 is now .practically short circuited and the,

generator eld will build up in a well-known manner. Current will also flow from the generator through lead 5, coil 8 and coil 4I to the magnetic structure including the core 8, and thence through coil 42 and wire 43 to the grounded base 1, from which return will be made through lead 4. Assuming that this currentthrough coils 8 and 42 is in such direction as to tend to -cause a ilux set up by said coils, in the direction indicated by the arrows thereupon, a portion thereof will iow from core 8, through the right-hand portion of member I2, pole piece I4, armature generator voltage to rise .and tend to maintain Y generator will now become voltageregulated inl the current output, and I so adjust the spring that, when the maximum voltage desired to have impressed across the coil 42 under these conditions is reached, the attraction between pole piece I0 and amature 34 will break the contact at 31 or greatly increase the resistance thereof, and

thus so decrease the current shunted around the resistor 3, Vas outlined above with respect to the I- contact at 3i, that the voltage of the generator will be held from exceeding this value, and the stead of current regulated as before.

- As the operation of a. vibratory contact regulator, operated eitherby a current coil or by a voltage coil, is now sovwell known, since simple independent regulators of this type are now in use in this country by the million, it is not believed necessary to describe the detailed operation of the vibrators indicated in Fig. I, and the y effectn upon the -eld in the regulation of the generator, further than to point out features having some particular bearing upon the present inven- I5, and across the air gap to pole piece II, and l thence through member 9 to the core 8. This ux will cause attraction between the pole piece II and the armature I5, and I so adjust the spring I5 and the air gap that when the generator reaches the voltage at which it isdesired to connect the generator and battery, armature I5 Will be drawn toward pole piece I4 so as to establish contact at 2li-2|, and thus connect the generator with the wire 23 and the positive terminals of battery 24 and the load, if any, as indicated at 25. If the speed of the generator now be increased, the voltage across coil 42 will tendto increase and also the current in coil 6, and the ux through core 8 and armature I5 will increase and tend to hold the contact at 2li-2| under increased pressure, as desired. At the same time, a portion of the ux set up by coil 42 will ilow from the pole piece here indicated at 29 to arma- Y ture 34and across the air gap to pole piece l0,

the current supplied by the generator will ordinarily reach the full value desired to have the generator deliver before the voltage desired to tion.

If the generator continue to charge the battery under the above conditions of voltage regulation, its voltage will tend to rise to that of a fully charged battery; and, if coil 42 and itscooperating regulating means'be so arranged and adjusted that this value can not be exceeded across the battery, the charging current will gradually fall to a very low value when the battery becomes charged, in a manner now well known in the art. If the generator slow down until its voltage permits a slight back dischargel from the battery through the generator, this current will ow through coil 6 in such direction as tooppose the flux due to coil 42, through armature I 5 and across the gap to pole piece I I, and cause the switclicontact at 2li-2l to open and prevent the battery from discharging through the generator, in a well known manner.

It is here again pointed out that Fig. I is merei ly a convenient form of diagrammatic representation of a system comprehended by my invention, the regulating and switch apparatus of which are preferably as shown in Figs. III, IV

and VI, or in a slightly modiiled form in Fig. V.

, bratory contact at 38-3Iis operated by the curholdv from being exceeded under other conditions isreached. When this current value is eached. coil 6 will cause the attraction of the armature diagrammatically indicated at 30 in Fig. I (and n really constructed and arranged'as shown at 15 at 32 in FigsI that the amature 30 will break rent coilS, and that the contact at 34-41 is operlated by the voltage coil 42 independently of each other, while the coils 6 and 42 cooperate with each other in the operation of the switch.

Now, referring tothe structure' of Fig. IlI, it winv be noted that when thefoltage con 42 is energized, it will tend to set up a ilux through core 8, member I2, pole piece I4 and armature I5 (indicated in Fig. IV) `to pole piece I I, tending to close the switch, as outlined with respect to FigrI; and it will be plain that coil 16 will-cooperate with coil 42 in the operation of the switch, in the'manner stated with reference to Fig. I.

asoman It will also be plain that part of the flux set up by voltage coil 42 will flow through the righthand portion of member 46 and pole piece 29, and thence through the thin insulating partition or bottom l of the box containing the vibratory regulating device (which partition is as thin as practicable at this point so as to serve as means for insulating member 49 with as little reluctance as possible), and thence through armature 41 'and across the air gap, including a portion of wall 5|, to the pole piece I0. This ux will attract the armature 41 and thus manipulate the contact at 54-59, in the manner stated with regard to armature 34 and contact at 31 in Fig. I. It will also be plain that energization of the current coil 6, if sufilciently strong, will tend to set up a i'lux through member I2 and pole piece i3, which will cross the air gap and traverse armature 15 and member 14 and the thin partition 13 to pole piece 28. This will cause attraction between pole piece I3 and armature 15 to manipulate the con- -tact at 16-82 to perform current regulation, as pointed out with respect to the contact at SII-41| in the operation described with respect to Fig. I.

It will here be noted that the current and voltage vibrators are alike and enclosed in dustproof and practically air-tight boxes which are interchangeable. These are valuable features as very small particles of dust are always apt to enter through the joint formed between the base and any kind of cover used to enclose the entire apparatus, and interchangeability permits service stations to replace any of the vibrators while carrying only one kind in stock. Further, the vibrators are automatically connected into circuit when placed in proper positions and their holding screws 63-61 and 8i-85 properly drawn up in their respective threaded members.

Another useful feature resides in the fact that the current or voltage values to be maintained may be very accurately adjusted by thev screws 86 and 60 without disturbing the arrangement of the contact devices which may be assembled in their dust-proofboxes and tested at the factory andwhich can be kept in stock, ready for instant use, without danger of contamination by corrosion, oil or dirt. Further, original factory supplied parts can readily be enclosed and sealed in the box structures, which are easily identiable, and easily so constructed that operating parts can not be removed and replaced without destroying the structure.

By properly proportioning the parts of the magnetic elements including the, core 8, yokes, pole pieces and arma-tures, and by properly proportioning the coils 42 and 6 in the apparatus indicated in Figs. III, IV and VI or in Fig. V, I find it possible to cause the coils to cooperate in operating the switch while still capable o1' operating their respective 'regulating contacts substantially independently, while the voltage may be adjusted in response to various current conditions,

be raised to compensate for voltage drop due to the resistance of the generator lead 5 and coils 6 and 4i. to oppose the flux of coil 42 and thus cause the voltage controlled by coil 42 to remain substantially constant if it has a tendency to drop, or

to rise, if desired, with increase in current, or it may be so wound as to cause the opposite effect, if this be desired, while, of course, it may be oinitted entirely. In practice, I usually prefer to employ a small coil 4I having only a very few turns so wound as to tend to increase the voltage with the current.. For, with this arrangement, line drop may be compensated for and the battery can be charged more rapidly, and when charged the charging current will fall of! more rapidly to its minimum value, as desired and now well understood. Further, if desired, the core 8 may be chosen of such dimensions and magnetic characteristics that coil 42 will set up a flux therein of s'uch density that, as coil 6 increases the density upon rise in current, the permeability of the core 8 will decrease and thus cause 4the voltage to rise, and the effect can either be increased or diminished, as desired, by employment oi coil 4I of Fig. III or coil H3 of Fig. XIV. While it is the nature of any vibratory contact regulator of the general type here disclosed to cause slight pulsations in the eld current which are more or less ironed out" by the inductance of the i'leld coils, and slight pulsations in voltage and the current delivered by the generator, as now well understood in the art, these pulsations are usually so rapid and of such low amplitude as not to be objectionable or even noticeable. However, as the resistance of the usual storage battery is very low, the current pulsations are relatively large compared with the voltage fluctuations causing them. And while, in the structure indicated in Fig. III when employed as indicated in Fig. I, the instant steady value of current in coil 8, within the range -for which the device is designed, may be caused to have no appreciable eiect upon the operation of the volt- Lage regulation until the current value is reached which will cause the regulation to be shifted from voltage to current regulation, any pulsation in the current value in coil E will tend to vary the ilux threading coil 42, and thus tend to modify the effect of coil 42 upon the regulator, in such manner as to augment the pulsations in voltage. By proper design of the parts of Fig. III, I can reduce this tendency to the point that it may usually be neglected. However, as the present in- Further, coil 4I may be so wound as vention includes means for producing exceptionally steady and reliable regulation as well as means for automatically varying the characteristics of the regulation to meet various requirements of the battery and load, several such improvements will be described with respect to the remaining guresof the drawings.

In Fig. 1I, a resistor 44 is indicated as inserted in the supply line 23, and another is indicated at 45 in the battery circuit. Either or both o! these may be employed to overcome the current pulsations from becoming so disproportionate to the voltage pulsations as to appreciably aiect the voltage regulation. 'I'hese resistors may have so low value that the energy loss may be neglected and still wipe out any noticeable disturbance of the voltage regulation by the current coil. In fact, the resistance 'of the current coil itself, or of the usual wiring, will accomplish this etl'ect sumciently inV many applications. The operation of the system indicated in Fis. VII is similar to that -described with respect to Fig. I, -save for the following modications which it is the prur-v pose of this figure to bring out. The current from the generator will not all pass through coil but that portion dired will be shllnfed away through resistor shunt n, which may be emcoils.

' slightly upon increase in load.

ployed for many obvious purposes, among which is the adjustment of the current value to be limited under diierent conditions, and, of course, a non-inductive shunt will lessen the amplitude of any current pulsations tending to take place in coil 6. The current controlled contact at 30-31 is shown as shunted by the resistor B9 so that complete breaking of the contact can only re,- duce the eld current in wire 6| to the extentV determined by the resistor 89. This, of course, saves the tendency toward sparking and wear upon contact members at 30-31, and is permissible because the current regulator only operates under heavy load, which in turn requires a reasonably strong eld at any operating speed to be met, and the resistor is selected on this basis. The contact point 31 is here shown as connected with one end of a coil 9| surrounding 'the lower portion of core 8, and having its op,-

posite end connected with the wire 38. Therefore, the current shunted around the resistor 3 by the vibratory contacts traverses this coil which od. Further, it will be noted that, since the viis wound in such direction that this current asssts coil 42 as indicated by vthe arrows upon the This being the case, coils 42 and 9i work together to operate the voltage regulator and,

when contact at 31 is-broken, this assistance of coil 9| is withdrawn, and this so increases the fre quency of vibration that any noticeable iiuctuation in the voltage or current delivered by the generator may readily be avoided by properly proportioning the coils. The coil 42 is shown as having a resistor Si! in series therewith, which may be used for adjusting the eifectof the coil or for temperature compensation, if desired.-

That is, if the drop,across the resistor 98 is caused to have a relatively high value compared with that across the coil 42, and if the resistor have practically zero temperature coeiiicient, the temperature changes to be met in service will have little eiect upon the excitation of coil 42,

as isnow well known in the art` mth this arrangement, current in coil 9| will increase and decrease with the current in .the eld and, theref fore, the voltage standard of the regulator will tend 'to rise slightly with generator speed and fall -But, in cases where this is not desired, coils 42 and 9i can be so'proportioned, ordinarily, that this feature may be neglected. i

'I'he arrangement shown in Fig. VIII-operates.

' in the same general way as that of Fig. VII, save that the magnetic shlmt 93, indicated as bridging pole pieces I and 29, made of nickel steel or any suitable material the permeability of which-falls l upon rise in temperature, 'is so arranged as to compensate for temperature changes which af fect coil 42, in a manner now well understood in the art. And the coil 92, having one of its terminals connected to ground and the other with wire 38 as by wire 94, has its operation controlled by the vibratory contacts which are in a'circuit in shunt to the coil 92, -through .electrical connecbrators are in shunt to the coil 92 and always have some finite resistance, lthere will always be some current in coil 92 when the generator running; and, on this account, temperature changes which affect coil 42 will aect coil 92 in the same manner, and as the coils are opposed the temperature effects will tend to cancel out, a very desirablefeature.

The operation of the arrangement of Fig. IX

is the same as that of Fig. VIII, save as modiiied by the elect of resistor 91 and coil 95. In Fig.

IX, the arrangement of the coils 92, 95 and t, as well as resistors 3 and 91, are plainly as shown in the diagram, Fig. XI, While the vibrators bear the relation to the said coils, as indicated in Fig.

' XI where the coil 42 and many other parts are omitted for sake of clearness of illustration.

Y Further, omitting the current coil Band the vition of wire 94 with poin 31. With this arrangement,'the coil 92 is arranged to oppose coil 42, and, therefore, if the contact at 31 or 3| is opened, the current in coil 92 will be increased and the effect of coil- "weakened, and the frequency of the vibrator so increased as to lessen or nullify any tendency of noticeable fluctuation in the voltage regulation. With this arrangement, the resistor 3 can be omitted in many cases and, by properly choosing the coilused at 92, its resistance may serve the function of resistor 3.

brator 31E-3i of Fig. XI, for sake of simplicity, the arrangement of Fig. XI in turn may easily be formed into the conventional figure of a whearstone bridge, as indicated in Fig. Xn, from which it will be plain that the eld coil 2 of the arrangement of`Fig. 1X serves as one of the bridge arms, while coil 92 and the vibrator 34-31,

in multiple with each other, form another arm,

and the' resistors 3 and 91 form the remaining' arms, while the coil 95 is across one pair of opposite junctions and the generator is connected -to the other pair. It is, therefore, plain that by proper proportioning of coil 92 and resistors 3 and 91 with respect to iield coil 2, I can cause the current to equal zero or ow in either `direction through coil 95 for a given steady or xed condition at the voltage controlled contact 34-31.

In one application where I have found the arrangement of Fig. IX very satisfactory in service, the eld coil 2 has relativelylow resistance and relatively high inductance, and I have used a s relatively high resistance coi1 92 with a relatively large number ofturns-and corresponding inductance, and I have used a coil 95 having a relatively few turns, with relatively low resistance and inductance, while the resistors 3 and 91 are noninductive. Resistor 3 and the resistancel of coill Y92, of course, have their values determined by the limit that must be reached in reducing the generator eld current to avoid excess voltageiat any speed to be met with minimum load upon the generator, or with the generator upon open circuit, as the case may be. And in this particular application referred to, I have employed a resistor 91 with such a value as t0 give a feeble current through coil 95` in a direction to assist coil 6 (as indicated by the upper arrow head) when the.

generator is running slowlyor carrying a heavy load and the field current is at or near its maximum, and a feeble current of about e'qual value in the opposite direction (lower arrow head) when the generator is running at high'speed with l a light load and the eld current is in the neigh- Since increase in speed is oil'set by the voltage 75 borhood of the This current may al-v vways have so little value -as to causegneglgble effect upon the operation of the voltage regulator to cause no noticeable eiect upon the regulator,

if the said current be steady, very slight pulsations caused by vibrator 94-91/'wi1l cause pulsations in the coil 95; and, if this coil be properly wound, these pulsations will tend to counteract I any pulsation in coil 9y and thus steady the regulating effect of the regulator, which with this arrangement holds a very steady voltage value and has very little tendency to spark at the contacts. While in Figs. XI and XII I have shown one bridge arm as comprising coil 92 and the vibrating contacts in shunt thereto, as illustrated in Figs. VIII, IX and X, it will be obvious that this bridge arm may comprise the vibrating contacts and the coil 9| in series therewith of Fig. VII instead and the same results obtained, the directions of windings in coils 9| and 92, of course, being arranged as set forth in the descriptions of Figs. VII and VIII.

AThe arrangement shown in Fig. X operates in the same general way as that of Fig. IX, save that the resistor 91 has one terminal connected with the magnetic structure and, therefore, its current passes through coil 9 and the voltage across the resistor will be aiected by the drop caused by coil 9, and 91 will thus act as though its resistance were increased slightly as the load on the lgenerator increases; coil 99 is shown as upon the lower portion of core 9 so as to directly aect the voltage regulation; and the coil 92 has its effect modified by the resistor 99 in response to temperature changes at the location of the resistor.

With this arrangement, coil 98 is so connected y that current flowing through the coil upon high speed and small load (upon weak iield) tends to oppose coil 42 and thus increase the voltage and to produce the reverse eiect upon low speed or heavy load (strong eld.) so that the voltage standard may be varied slightly, if desired; While in this case, also, the current in coil 99 may be heldI at so low a value as to cause negligible difference in the regulation, if steady, and still pulsations in voltage regulation due to action of the vibrator will be nullied, as outlined with respect to Fig. IX. With resistor 91 connected as shown in Fig.

X, the drop across coil 9, as current increases,.will

tend to increase the current incoil 99 or decrease a reverse current if owing therein upon increase in load, and thus tend to decrease the line voltage held bythe regulation. Since current in the coil 92 opposes coil 42, it tends to increase the voltage standard of the regulation and, as temperature increase upon coil 42 has this same effect upon the regulator, the diminution of current in coil 92, as by its own temperature rise, will tend to oiset temperature changes in coil 42, as in Fig. IX. If desired, this can be carried further, as by use of the resistor 99, particularly if the resistor have a high temperature coeilicient. If the resistor be placed close to the coil 42, as shown in Fig. X, it may be used to help compensate for temperature changes in this coil, orit may beplaced in heat receiving relation to some other element whose temperature it is desired to have affect the regulation.

The arrangement indicated in Fig. XIII operatesv in the'same general manner as that of Fig. VIII, save as follows: The resistor |92 is used to cause a larger portion of the ileld current to flow through coil 92, which coil is in multiple with the vibrator circuit through the resistor IIII which may have a high temperature coeiilcient and be placed near some instrumentality the temperarture of which it is desired to have affect the generator regulation; and the iluz'r for operating the switch hasfits path restricted by the isthmus |99, surrounded by the disc or secondary |94. In this set up, when resistor |9I is located in heat receiving relation to the generator, as shown for example, the current flowing through coil 92 and opposing the operation of the voltage regulator by coil 42,- will be decreased as the generator becomes heated, and the standard of the voltage regulation lowered as the generator temperature rises. And, when the generator is operating, the current in coils 42 and 9 will cause the flux through the switch amature' I9 and the isthmus |99 to raise the iiux density through the isthmus to such value toward saturation that small iluctuations in current in coil 9 will have very little effect upon the flux threading coil 42. This will tend to overcome any tendency toward slight pulsations in current in coil 9 aiecting the voltage regulator in holding a steady voltage value. Further, the conducting ring or washer |94, preferably of copper, wil] act as a short-circuited secondary tending to damp out fluctuations in the isthmus |93, in a well known manner.

In the structure of Fig. XIV, the magnetic circuits are indicated as in Figs. III and IV, and the core 9 may contain any ofthe above described arrangements of windings. For sake of ease in illustration, the windings are omitted. save a portion of coil 9 and a coil IH, which may be used in any oi' the arrangements described above in place of the coil 4| of Figs. I and III. if desired. In this structure, the voltage responsive vibrator (not shown), enclosed in the box having the side wall 99, has the same construction and operation as that in Fig. III, and is the only vibrating contact that is employed. The current responsive armature- |99, as indicated within the box having side wall 99, is arranged in the same manner as that in Fig. III, save it is not provided with electrical contacts. When the current in coil 9 reaches the desired maximum value. the armaagainst the opposition of a leaf spring (not shown) as in Fig. III, and into contact with the very light rod |91, of insulating material, which it presses against the leaf spring |99 to lower the standard of the voltage regulator and prevent this desired current limit from being exceeded, in an obvious manner.

Fig. XV illustrates a means for causing changes in temperature to aect the operation of coil 42 in a manner often desirable. Here, the resistor II I has a high temperature vooeiiicient and is in shunt to the coil 42, while the resistor 99 having zero temperature coemcient is in circuit between 42 and |I| and the ground. By properly proportioning these elements, increase in temperature in will cause the voltageacross coil 42 to be increased, and thus oii'set the rise in resistance in coil 42 due to temperature In Fig. XVI. the coil |I4, similar to coil 9| ot Fig. VII, is indicated as placed upo'n the upper portion of core 9, where it will tend4 to counteract pulsations in coil 9 caused by operation oi' the voltage vibrator, an arrangement which may sometimes be desired.

In Fig. XVII, the coil H9, similar to coil 92 of Fig. VIII is shown as upon the upper portion of coil 9, where it may be placed to oppose inherent pulsations in coil 9. it desired. These coils in Figs. XVI and XVII can, of course, be used in cooperation with the coils shown in Figs. VII and VIII, to effect a common purpose.

' From the foregoing it will be seen thatI have produced a combined automatic switch and gencrater-regulator, capable of connecting and disconnecting a generator and battery in the usual manner and providing substantially independent current and voltage regulation,` while the standard of voltage may be automatically adjusted to meet various conditions of operation and battery condition, if desired. Further, it will be noted that while I have produced a regulator of the vibratory contact type wherein the current and voltage coils are inductively coupled, I have prevented the current pulsations ordinarily caused by this type of regulator from injuring the steadiness of the voltage regulation. y

It will, of course, be obvious that, in systems where large currents are employed, a small device as here indicated may be used by having the switch portion act as a relay for any suitable type of contactor and by Vhaving the vibrating contacts control any sultablekind of electrically controlled resistance device in the field of the generator,` and that the structure here shown may control the neld of an exciter which in turn may control the main dynamo,-which arrangements are now all commonly used and well known in the art.-

I do not here limit myself to any of the exact.

constructions shown nor toany o f the particular modes of operation herein described, which have been set forth merely to illustrate a few embodiments of my invention, which is as set forth in the following claims:

l. A combined automatic switch and generator regulatorfor usev in a system Aemploying a variable speed generator and a storage battery to be charged thereby, comprising switch mechanism 4for connecting and disconnecting ,the generator iting means, independent current limiting means,

said means being operated by` coils tending to cause magnetic nux to thread the turns of each other and means for nullifying the transformer effect of one. coil upon the other due to current .changes in said one.

6. An electric regulator including voltage limiting means, independent current limiting means, said means being operated by coils tending to cause magnetic ux to thread the turns of each other and means for nullifying the transformer eect of one coil upon the other due to current changes in said one, comprising -a coil cooperating with one of said coils and subject to current changes of the same frequency as those in said other.

'7. A combined automatic switch and regulator comprising a magnet core provided with pole pieces at its ends and a plurality of intermediate pole pieces, a switch operating armature carrying flux between end pole pieces, a current reguand battery, means for regulating the generator,

a Voltage responsive coil for closing the switch mechanism -andaiecting the regulating means to control the generator voltage,v a current responsive coil for affecting the regulating means to control the generator current and coactingwith the voltage coil to affect the switch mechanism and means for adjusting the standard of voltage regulation in response tc current changes.

2. A combined automatic switch and generator regulator for use in a system employing a variable speed generator and a storage battery to be charged thereby, comprising switch mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the generator and battery, means for regulating the generator, a voltage responsive coil ,for closing -the switch mechanism and ailecting the regulating means to control the generator voltage, a current responsive coil for anecting the regulating means to control the generator current and coacting with the voltage coil to aifect the switch mechanism and means for adjusting the standard of voltage regulation in response to changes in the condition of charge of the storage battery.

3. A generator regulatory comprising' regulat- 3 ing means, voltage responsive means for operating the regulating means and current responsive means Yfor operating the regulating means, said responsive vmeans being adapted to operate the regulating means 'substantially independently of each other, combined with switch mechanism operated by coaction of the responsive means and .f f means forvarying the standard of voltage regu- "j lation in response to current changes.

lating armature carrying flux between an intermediate pole piece and an end pole piece, and a voltage regulating armature carrying ilux between an intermediate pole piece and -another end pole piece.

8. A combined automatic switch and regulator comprising a magnet core provided with pole pieces at its ends and a plurality of intermediate pole` pieces, a switch operating armature carrying ux between end pole pieces, a current regulating armature carrying flux between an intermediate pole piece andan end pole piece, and a voltage -regulating amature carrying iiux betweenan intermediate pole piece and an `end pole piece, a current winding between an end pole piece and an intermediate pole pieceand a voltage winding between an intermediate pole piece and another end pole piece.

9. A combined automatic switch and regulator comprising a magnet core provided with pole pieces at its ends and a plurality of intermediate pole pieces, a switch operating armature carrying ux between end pole pieces, a current regulating armature carrying ux between an intermediate pole piece and an end pole piece, and av Y voltage regulating armature carrying Iiux between an intermediate pole piece and an end pole piece, a current winding between an end pole piece and @n intermediate pole piece, a voltage winding between an intermediate pole piece and another end pole piece, and means cooperthvoltage coil ating with one of said windings to modify the inductive effect of the other thereupon.

10. In a system wherein a generator subject to speed changes is employed to charge a storage battery, a regulator having a current coil for alone controlling the generator current and a voltage coil for alone controlling the generator voltage, each of said coils aifectin'g-ithe ux through the other, and means for opposing the transformer effect of rapid current changes in the current coil upon the regulating effect of including an independent coil l 2,307,025 A aiIected by current changes in step with the iirstnamed changes.

11. A regulator for a generator having-a circuit for supplying a battery, comprising ,a vibratory contact, magnetic means for operating said contact and means for aiIecting the operation thereof comprising a- Wheatstone bridge arrangecuitfor supplying a battery, comprising a vibratory contact, magnetic means for operating said 'to the electromagnetic 13. A regulator for a generator having a cir-T clud'ing said neld winding, one pair of opposite Junctions connected across said circuit and acoil connected across the-other opposite junctions,

said coil being in inductive relation to saidoperatingm'eans.-

15. A combined automatic switch and regulator comprising a magnet core with poles at its-ends and at an. intermediate portion, a switch operating armature carrying ilux between the end poles, a currentv regulating armature carrying iiux between an intermediate pole and an end pole, and a voltageregulating'armature carrying contact and means for affecting the operation thereof, comprising.` 4a Wheatstone bridge arrangement having one pair of opposite Junctions .connected across said 'circuit and a .coil connected across the other opposite junctions, said coil being in inductive relation to said operating means, and one arm oi' said bridge having its etl'ective resistance varied by operation of said contact.

14. A regulator for a generator having a eld winding and a circuitfor supplying 'a battery.

comprising .a vibratory contact, magnetic means for operating said contact and means for anceting the operation thereof comprising a Wheatiiux between an intermediate pole and another end pole.

16. An electric regulator including regulating contact mechanism, electromagnetic means for operating the same, a box-like structure entirely enclosing and supporting said mechanism in operative relation to the Aelectromagnetic means, and means for adjusting thefoperation of the contact mechanism operable from outside of said box-like structure.

17. An electric regulator including'regulating contact mechanism, electromagnetic means for' operating the same, a box-like structure entirely enclosing and supporting said mechanism in operative relation to the electromagnetic means,- andlmeans for adjusting `the operation of the contact mechanism operable, from outsideof said A boi-like st'ructure, comprising a movable member extending-into the interior of said box-nke structure and accessible outside .said structure.

JOHN A1..- CREvELmG.

`stone bridge arrangement-having one'arm in- 

